The wine of passion; grown from volcanic soil, in the middle of the Atlantic!

The Azores are a group of Portuguese islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, and this region has a young but growing and interesting wine industry.

The history of wine in the Azores dates back to the 15th century, when the islands started to be colonised by the Portuguese. Wine production was introduced to the islands by the first settlers and vines were planted on the fertile volcanic slopes. The wines were produced on a small scale and served the needs of the local population. However, over time, wine production began to gain economic importance on the islands.

During the 18th Century, the wines from the Azores started being exported to other countries, mainly to the United Kingdom and the United States. The strategic location of the islands in the Atlantic Ocean facilitated maritime trade, and Azorean wines gained popularity there.

Azores wines are known for their unique characteristics influenced by the specific geographic and climatic conditions of this region. Some of the distinctive aspects of these wines are the rocky and volcanic soils of the Azores, which give the wines a certain minerality. The volcanic activity present in the past also contributed to the formation of nutrient-rich soils. As the Azores climate is characterised by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, its mild average temperature and high humidity provide a favourable environment for growing grapes. In addition, the sea breeze and high rainfall create a particular and unique microclimate for the vineyards.

The wines from the Azores are mainly produced from autochthonous grape varieties, i.e. varieties of grapes native to the region. Some of the most common grape varieties include Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, Terrantez do Pico and Bical, among others. These grape varieties have adapted to the region's specific conditions and contribute to the uniqueness of Azorean wines.

This is why white wines are predominant in the Azores and they are known for their refreshing, fruity and elegant acidity. Azorean white wines have good structure and balance with notes of citrus fruits such as green apple and mineral touches. Besides dry white wines, the Azores also produce liqueur wines. These wines are made from overripe grapes and have a higher alcohol content. They are known for their balanced sweetness and aromatic complexity.

These factors combined make Azores wine a truly unique and distinctive product. The combination of the volcanic soil, Atlantic climate, indigenous grape varieties and production style result in wines that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The uniqueness of these wines attracts connoisseurs and enthusiasts seeking unique and authentic wine experiences.

The wine industry in the Azores continues to grow and stand out, with local producers dedicated to producing high quality wines. The wines of the Azores have gained national and international recognition, attracting more and more connoisseurs and oenophiles in search of authentic and distinctive wine experiences. It is worth mentioning that wine production in the Azores is still growing and evolving, the fact that there are different islands and producers may present distinct characteristics in their wines. Each Azores wine reflects its specific soil and the passion of its producer in exploring the wine-making possibilities of this unique region.

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes